In the last of our NZAR previews of the Super rugby teams, it is quite fitting that it is the Western Force I am previewing. A team that has lost one of its two stars will have to pull out all of the stops to not finish stone last.

The loss of James O’Connor will hurt the Force, as they have very little in their backline that can spark an attack or a brilliant play as O’Connor did, and the difficult job for coach Richard Graham will be to find someone that can ignite that spark.

In the forwards, they have the brilliant Wallaby David Pocock, who gives his heart and soul, sometimes to the detriment of his own physical health. If he can remain fit and injury-free throughout the season, it will be of great help to the team.

But no man is an army, and certain players will have to step up. Nathan Sharpe will be playing in his last season before retiring, and will have to pass his knowledge and experience to those around him.

I would suspect that the Force will be battling it out for fourth spot in the Aussie conference with the Rebels, and maybe even the Brumbies. The nice thing for the Force is that they are in a weak conference, and could pick up some points against inter-conference opposition.

Players to keep an eye on include the loose trio of McCalman, Pocock and Brown, as well as winger Nick Cummins, who has a nose for the tryline.